Creating an almost free music recording studio.

If you have ever considered creating your own music recording studio at home, you might have some misconceptions about what it actually takes. One of the purposes of this blog is to dispel these myths.

As my previous posts point out, even a 10 year old computer can be turned into an audio workstation capable of producing high quality stereo audio. (hint, the secret is LINUX!). Using an open source operating system like Ubuntu Studio, not only do you get all the tools an audio engineer might need, you have access to a growing collection of music recording software, that would otherwise cost thousands of dollars.

Much of this free audio software replaces the need to purchase expensive hardware, for example, 2 programs, called guitarx and rakarrack act as virtual amplifiers and effect racks. Negating the need for actual effect racks and stomp boxes. Rakarrack alone easily replicates thousands of dollars worth of effect pedals if you were to purchase them separately.

Guitarists in particular will have a lot of fun with just those 2 programs, but it certainly doesn't end there, not by a long shot. There is really software to cover any need you might have when it comes to creating and producing your own music. Virtual synthesizers, pitch correction, mixing.. you name it.

Ok, so what about the things that you simply can't replicate on a computer. When it comes to the physical elements of your studio, there are areas that can be done cheaply, and then a few you should absolutely not skimp on.

For example, I use an old 4 track cassette recorder as a 4 channel mixer, and have it's line out plugged into the line in jack of my sound card. The recorder was destined for the junk yard, so it was free, I did however spend about $25USD on some high quality shielded audio cable and 4 adapters, the male stereo headphone to 2 mono female kind. Eg; skrimp where you can, but not where it matters. Excessive line noise is a killer.

If you'll be recording vocals or acoustic instruments like saxophones, you will need to invest in at least one recording microphone. As high quality as you can afford. If you'll be recording something like drums, or groups of acoustic instruments you may need anywhere from 3 to 12 microphones.

UPDATE: I'm going to get on e of these.. http://www.bluemic.com/snowball/

Luckily, microphone technology is such that even bottom end products from the major manufacturers will provide quality results. The choices can be a bit daunting, but it really boils down to what your specific needs are. DO be cautious of microphones that require phantom power, if you don't have powered XLR jacks, they will be useless to you.

Once the software side is handled ala Linux, and the hardware side is handled, ala re purposed hardware, quality cables, microphones and studio monitors. All that is left are some tips to ensure your recordings are as good as they can be, but I'll post all that soon. Promise :D